Ex-Cop Robs Bank to Get Health Care in Prison

It happened in Columbus, Georgia. A former Columbus police officer admitted in court that he robbed a bank last year so he can get health care in a federal prison.

Edward Pascucci told the federal judge he had been out of work for more than a year, and he was facing “severe health problems” and the prospect of homelessness when he decided to rob the Citizens Trust Bank in Columbus last August.

“I didn’t want to be homeless,” Pascucci said. “I should not have manipulated the justice system, but I couldn’t think of any other way to get help.”

So he decided to commit a crime he knew would send him to a federal prison where he would get the care he needs.  The FBI says Pascucci walked out of the bank with more than $1,000 and practically waited around to be arrested.

Pascucci – who served as a police officer for 15 years – was sentenced to five years and three months in prison.  It’s not known which federal lockup he’ll go to, but wherever he goes, his health problems will be taken care of at taxpayer expense.

via Ex-Cop Admits To Robbing Bank To Get Health Benefits In Federal Prison « CBS Atlanta.

It is an ironic and curious fact that people at or near the bottom rungs of society can live more comfortably behind bars.  After all, they get a roof over their heads, three meals a day, a safe place to sleep, and free health care.  Some people will tell you that’s better than living on the streets.

It’s so much better it  makes one wonder how many people in prison committed their crimes with the specific goal of getting caught and going to prison.  Hmm.

This reminds us of the classic O. Henry short story “The Cop and the Anthem.”  It’s about a New York street bum who, every year, just as cold weather sets in, deliberately does something to get arrested so he can spend the winter in a nice warm jail cell.

Like all O. Henry stories, it has twists and turns and a surprise ending.  Let’s just say he can’t get arrested no matter what he does.  No spoilers here.  Read it yourself Online.

via The Cop and the Anthem by O. Henry.